First-year McGann-Mercy head coach Meaghan Macarthur knew she had a team that could compete in the league this year when she took the job. But even so, it was back to basics in the preseason with the primary focus being fundamentals.
“I wanted every girl to be able to play without being nervous,” Macarthur said. “And that starts with having solid fundamentals, both offensively and defensively.”
And early on in the season, it looks as if it’s paying off. Not only are they winning, but their wining utilizing almost everyone. In Monday’s 61-40 thumping of Wyandanch, 10 different girls scored.
“I like to try to play as many girls as possible,” Macarthur said. “I like having a deep bench and we’re still trying to figure out who plays best with who.”
The best thing, Macarthur said, is that everyone gets along.
“The chemistry on this team is what sets us apart,” Macarthur said. “It’s so important that we can just focus on playing basketball and not be fighting.”
Mia Behrens led the Monarchs in scoring with 15; the team won its third straight league game to start the season.
Playing at McGann-Mercy High School, the tempo of play was high and both teams took turns racing up and down the court which evidently led to a fair amount of turnovers. And though Wyandanch (0-6) did make runs to cut the lead, the Monarchs never really got in a position where they could lose the game.
Olivia Kneski scored 10 in the victory. Chastin Giles and Dayna Young both added eight.
“We have to keep working hard,” Macarthur said. “That’s the only way we’re going to keep this up. Work hard and play with confidence.”
Wyandanch’s Moneasia McCloud led all scorers with 19 points.
The Monarchs will travel to Babylon on Dec 29 for a 12 p.m tip to continue the league season.
